An Insightful Review of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Season 3
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The Summer of 1996: What's New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports audiences back to the summer of 1996, retaining its beloved central characters but rendering them older and wiser. Set against the backdrop of Tula, a city that has evolved significantly over the two years since the second season’s events, this installment immerses viewers in the challenges of adult life. The once carefree teenagers now grapple with familial obligations, questionable escapades, and the looming specter of incarceration, all woven into the perpetual struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Story Arcs:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Recently graduated, he embarks on the journey of adulthood, working at the local market and attempting to forge a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Now parents, they traverse the trials of parenthood while Vovka seeks risky ways to support the family financially.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): Developing a newfound passion for sports and weightlifting, adding a unique layer of comedic mishaps to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returns to town with her fiancé, stirring a whirlwind of astonishment and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Finds herself locked up due to fraud, leaving her husband desperately trying to hold the family together.
Alongside these personal stories, the show intricately weaves a gritty criminal narrative into the city of Tula. Creators don’t shy away from setting the scene directly in Tula, which encapsulates a vibrant yet tumultuous time. With fewer criminal characters seen in previous seasons, new personalities emerge, and previously thought-to-be dead characters, Alik and Vityok, return with plausible backstories to explain their miraculous resurrections.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
True to its roots, music remains a pivotal element in shaping the series' atmosphere. The soundtrack not only features nostalgic hits from the 90s but also includes original compositions created specifically for the show. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although introduced here before its actual release, signifies a revitalization of the era. These musical moments accentuate key scenes, enhancing their emotional resonance.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame immerses viewers in the era, showcasing everything from street vendors to fashion trends and the mundane struggles of everyday life. The intertwining of personal and societal issues paints a vivid portrait of the time, creating a truly engaging slice of nostalgia.
Characters You Can’t Let Go Of
As the heroes’ journeys unfold in this season, it’s a whirlwind of events. The creators expertly balance the line between comedy and drama, highlighting the stark contrast between youthful carefreeness and the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are noteworthy, particularly from Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who infuse their characters with depth and authenticity.
Weaknesses and Controversial Points
Some viewers may find the season's initial pacing to be a bit slow. While a gradual buildup of tension can often enhance the experience, this time it poses a risk of alienating audiences eager for immediate action.
The return of certain characters who were thought to have perished, although logically supported, may come off as a convenient plot device to restore narrative balance rather than a seamless part of the overarching story.
Overall Assessment
In its third season, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators successfully tackle significant themes of maturity, family, and friendship while keeping in mind that, at its heart, this series remains a chronicle of human experiences. Despite some debatable moments, the latest season is noteworthy for its quality direction, a strong ensemble cast, and its ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing by those who appreciate depth and sincerity wrapped in the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.